§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effect membership of the euro would have on(a) the domestic tourism industry and (b) overseas visitors to the United Kingdom. [117927]
§ Janet AndersonIt is difficult to predict trends in visitor numbers and expenditure by tourists one year ahead, and we would be unwise to try to do so for the next 29W decade. We are not able to forecast the possible effects of exchange rates on the tourism industry in or out of the euro zone in this way.
We are working hard, however, to ensure that tourism businesses in the UK are fully informed about the euro and the introduction of euro currency. My Department chairs a working group which seeks to raise awareness of the impact of the euro on tourism businesses and to disseminate information to the industry.